Local Newspapers from Melbourne, Victorisa, Australia
Thursday, September 17, 2026
Observer
To celebrate the 70th Anniversary of Opera Australia, this prolific company has over 700 performances planned throughout the year.I was most fortunate to attend the Opera Australia Gilbert and Sullivan Company’s musical celebration at the majestic Regent Theatre in Melbourne, with an ensemble of eight magnificent Opera Australia principals conducted by UK-born, internationally renowned director…
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Observer
Opera Australia’s 70th Anniversary Gala began with the popular William Tell Overture by Gioachino Rossini, led by internationally acclaimed conductor Giampaolo Bisanti.Maestro Bisanti was pure joy to watch. His expressive and enthusiastic style had the audience fervently bouncing along with the well-known finale. It was like watching a fine ballet dancer in action.The sumptuous majesty…
Read More about OBSERVER: Opera Australia’s Gala
Observer
In a wonderful production, Lazarus is one man’s heart-rending story of growing up as an indigenous person in Australia.It is a no-holds-barred insight into the injustices and harm done to indigenous Australians, told plainly, simply and mostly without rancour.The play is biographical and based on the life of Taungurung Elder Uncle Larry Walsh.Taken from his…
Read More about OBSERVER: Lazarus, at Theatreworks
Observer
What an intriguing web is spun as we delve into a 1923 comedy written by playwright Sandy Rustin, performed by Peridot Theatre.Somewhere in the English countryside is a cottage where three very sexually active couples arrive at various times for a weekend of heterosexual activity.Before we get into who is mugging who, the set is…
Read More about OBSERVER: The Cottage
Observer
Darebin Arts Speakeasy presents In Shadows (Dalam Bayang-Bayang), a haunting new work that reimagines the myth of the pontianak from June 24-28 at Northcote Town Hall Arts Centre.The pontianak is one of Southeast Asian folklore’s most enduring figures: a spirit born of betrayal, known for her long black hair, haunting laughter, and lingering presence among…
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Observer
The Audience – National Theatre Live Live theatre performance, historical research and film technology merge brilliantly in the National Theatre Live production The Audience, written by Peter Morgan and starring Dame Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth II.Recorded in June 2013 at the John Gielgud Theatre, directed by Stephen Daldry, The Audience returns to cinemas for…
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Observer
Fans of the late Kerry Greenwood Phryne Fisher series are going to love Kirsty Manning’s (pictured) new novel, Murder in Paris.Whereas Greenwood focused on an elegant, rich single woman detective in the 1920s, Manning’s era is the 1930s, with her dynamic young Australian lead character, Charlotte ‘Charlie’ James.Manning has written historical mystery of murder, fashion,…
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Observer
ShowsBeaumaris Theatre: Two Ladies (Nancy Harris) Until June 6 at Beaumaris Theatre, 82 Wells Rd., Beaumaris. Director: Adam Rafferty. Bookings: beaumaristheatre.com.auStrathmore Theatrical Arts Group: Kimberly Akimbo (by David Lindsay Abaire) Until June 6 at the Strathmore Community Theatre, Loeman St., Strathmore. Director: Drew Mason. Bookings: stagtheatre@outlook.com or 0419505231Babirra Music Theatre: 42nd Street, Until June 6…
Read More about OBSERVER: Local Theatre Report
Observer
Terms such as ‘icon’ and ‘legend’ are overused these days. However both epithets fittingly apply when describing the Australian singer John Farnham.Timely then that a benefit concert The Songs of John Farnham: A Living Legend has been announced.A launch announcing the September 20 concert event was held in the foyer of Rod Laver Arena where…
Read More about OBSERVER: The Songs of John Farnham
Observer
The Tayo Tayo Collective and fortyfivedownstairs present Mr Big: aka Tatay, a Trans Woman and that Tiring Tune written by Dax Carnay-Hanrahan from June 24-July 5 at fortyfive-downstairs, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne.Set between 1990s Manila and contemporary Melbourne, Mr Big follows Diana, a trans Filipina woman juggling her upcoming wedding and the funeral of her…
Read More about OBSERVER: Mr Big